Yellow-faced Honeyeater Research Articles

Changes to the status of birds in the Tapitallee region on the south coast of New South Wales from 1928 to 2020

ABSTRACT Aubrey Elliott (1910–1943), a passionate ‘bird-man’, lived in the suburb of Tapitallee on the south coast of New South Wales until 1940. During that period he and his brother, Arthur kept notes on the birds in the local area and devised a hide that was mounted on a utility that enabled them to take close-up photographs. To augment his observations Elliott interviewed local residents and collated information on the status of the area’s birds. In 1985 I purchased the property next to where Elliott lived and was given access to his notes. This paper presents a comparison of avifauna in the Tapitallee area between 1926–40 and 1985–2020. During that time there have been changes in the distribution and abundance of many birds. Fourteen species have become locally extinct while 28 have colonised/recolonised the area. Combining Aubrey’s and our data a total of 194 species of bird have been recorded in the area. Dams have been constructed and native vegetation has regrown on the steeper slopes. These actions have expanded the habitat for aquatic and forest dependant species but disadvantaged those that occupy grasslands. The Red Fox Vulpes vulpes colonised the area in 1907 and is implicated in the local extinction of the Bush Stone Curlew Burhinus grallarius. Wildfire in January 2020 burnt a relatively small portion of the Tapitallee area but these fires burnt an extensive area of southern NSW and Victoria. These fires were likely to be responsible for the decline in the numbers of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters Caligavis chrysops and White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus migrating north in the autumn of that year.

The Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris as a nest-predator

Here we document the removal of eggs from the nests of two passerine species—Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla and Yellow-faced Honeyeater Caligavis chrysops —by Eastern Spinebills Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris .

Molecular and morphological characterization of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) ptilotis, a parasite infecting Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae), with remarks on prevalence and potential cryptic speciation.

Avian Haemoproteus (Haemosporida) parasites occur in birds on all continents apart from Antarctica. Molecular screening techniques have uncovered previously unforeseen levels of Haemoproteus lineage diversity; however, fewer than 20% of genetic parasite lineages have been linked to morphological descriptions. The process of linking morphological descriptions to DNA barcodes for Haemoproteus spp. is important for the study of host-parasite interactions and the potential for cryptic speciation. Here, we describe cytochrome-b barcodes and morphological diagnostics for the identification of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) ptilotis, a systematically confusing parasite found in Australian honeyeaters (family Meliphagidae). We characterised infections from the original type host (Lichenostomus chrysops; Family Meliphagidae) as well as from four co-occurring meliphagid species in southeast Queensland, Australia, to investigate intraspecific variation in morphology and lineage identity. We recorded eight lineages that grouped into a well-supported monophyletic group, supporting the linkage of the described lineages to H. ptilotis. However, comparisons of diagnostics between the type host and co-occurring meliphagid hosts revealed high genetic diversity and variable morphology that could be indicative of cryptic speciation. This study highlights that morphological descriptions alongside molecular characterisation remain crucial if we are to gain an understanding of the true diversity and host specificity of protozoan parasites in Australia and elsewhere.

Systematic dismantlement of Lichenostomus improves the basis for understanding relationships within the honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) and the historical development of Australo-Papuan bird communities

Evaluations of relationships among honeyeaters (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae) have used dense taxon and nucleotide sampling. Here we focus on the systematically contentious meliphagid genus Lichenostomus. We use data from two molecular markers that were common to two major recent studies, the mitochondrial protein-coding gene ND2 and the nuclear intron Fib5. Based on complete species-level sampling of Lichenostomus, we confirm the recent finding that Lichenostomus is not monophyletic. We recover seven distinct lineages dispersed within the meliphagid assemblage. Two uniform and unadorned species, the White-gaped (L. unicolor) and Yellow (L. flavus) Honeyeaters, were sister species close to some other taxa currently placed in Lichenostomus. The only two mangrove specialists, the Varied (L. versicolor) and Mangrove (L. fasciogularis) Honeyeaters from north-eastern and central-eastern Australia respectively, were not sisterspecies, but the former was sister to the pair comprising Mangrove Honeyeater and the widespread Singing Honeyeater (L. virescens). Two endemic New Guinean species, the Obscure (L. obscurus) and Black-throated (L. subfrenatus) Honeyeaters, are a sister pair to the Yellow-faced Honeyeater (L. chrysops) of eastern Australia. We suggest a revised generic nomenclature for the species recently placed in Lichenostomus and erect one new genus-group name, Bolemoreus, to include two species that have been previously grouped in Caligavis.

Evidence of extra-pair paternity in two socially monogamous Australian passerines: the Crescent Honeyeater and the Yellow-faced Honeyeater

The advent of molecular genetic techniques to assign parentage accurately in bird species has revolutionised the view of avian mating strategies. Australia has provided some exciting examples in this modern synthesis of mating strategies, yet there remains a clear bias towards species in the northern hemisphere. We present analyses of molecular assignment of paternity in two species of Australian honeyeater (Meliphagidae), which have only recently had their social mating systems described. We find extensive extra-pair paternity in both the Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops) and Crescent Honeyeater (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus). Extra-pair paternity in both species is consistent with some predictions from behavioural observations, for example, extra-territory excursions by breeding females and nonaggressive behaviour of territorial males towards extra-pair females on their territories. In Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, however, there is substantial paternal care from social males, raising interesting questions as to the fitness advantages of differing reproductive tactics of males in this species.

Two Different Types of Light-Dependent Responses to Magnetic Fields in Birds

A model of magnetoreception proposes that the avian magnetic compass is based on a radical pair mechanism, with photon absorption leading to the formation of radical pairs. Analyzing the predicted light dependency by testing migratory birds under monochromatic lights, we found that the responses of birds change with increasing intensity. The analysis of the orientation of European robins under 502 nm turquoise light revealed two types of responses depending on light intensity: under a quantal flux of 8.10(15) quanta m(-2) s(-1), the birds showed normal migratory orientation in spring as well as in autumn, relying on their inclination compass. Under brighter light of 54.10(15) quanta m(-2) s(-1), however, they showed a "fixed" tendency toward north that did not undergo the seasonal change and proved to be based on magnetic polarity, not involving the inclination compass. When birds were exposed to a weak oscillating field, which specifically interferes with radical pair processes, the inclination compass response was disrupted, whereas the response to magnetic polarity remained unaffected. These findings indicate that the normal inclination compass used for migratory orientation is based on a radical-pair mechanism, whereas the fixed direction represents a novel type of light-dependent orientation based on a mechanism of a different nature.

Abundance patterns across months and locations, and their differences between migrant and resident landbirds in lowland subtropical eucalypt forest

Many migrant landbird species are winter visitors to lowland eucalypt forests of the south-east Queensland region within subtropical eastern Australia. However, neither the specific patterns of habitat use by these migrant species, nor the extent to which the temporal and spatial patterns of migration are synchronised among different species, are well understood. This paper examines the pattern and synchrony of monthly change in bird species over a nine-month period (March-November), based on counts at seven survey sites within each of three large (>600 ha) lowland eucalypt forest remnants. These were surrounded by a mostly urban matrix, and widely separated within a total area of ∼ 1000 km2. Species were analysed with respect to both their individual abundances and collective patterns within four a priori groups: winter migrants, summer migrants, complex wanderers and residents/local movers. Collectively, the numbers of winter migrants were highest from May to August, but species’ broad arrival times varied from April to June, departures from July to October, and times of peak abundance also varied. Seven of eight winter migrant species that were individually analysed (Rose Robin, Yellow-faced and Scarlet Honeyeaters, Striated and Spotted Pardalotes, Grey Fantail and Golden Whistler, but not Rufous Whistler) showed large changes in abundance over the period. The abundance of these seven species did not vary among the three locations, and also showed concordant patterns of temporal change across locations. Some showed partial migration. The resident/local mover species showed little or no change in abundance over time, and eight of the 16 species analysed showed substantial abundance differences among locations. The difference in location effects between migrant and resident species may occur because the winter migrants are non-breeding visitors to the region, whilst the resident species are year-round inhabitants and are hence more selective since they are more likely to occupy long-term home ranges that must provide habitat suitable for nesting.

Nectarivorous bird assemblages in Box-Ironbark woodlands in the Capertee Valley, New South Wales

Spatial and temporal variability in nectarivorous bird assemblages was studied at 16 sites over four years in the Capertee Valley, New South Wales. We investigated differences in assemblages among years, seasons and habitats, and predictability in the nectarivorous bird community in space and time. One rare species, the Regent Honeyeater, was investigated more closely to determine whether it was consistently associated with particular bird species or flowering plants.Nectarivorous birds showed no predictable variation in time (month to month) and numbers fluctuated erratically at all sites and over the valley, when all sites were combined. Differences in bird assemblages were recorded between warm and cool seasons in some years but this was not consistent across all years. Some habitat differences were consistently found. The drier woodlands on slopes were characterised by abundant Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, while the valley habitats (cleared, riparian and cleared with large mature trees) were associated with abundant White-plumed Honeyeaters. However, many species were common to all habitats and sites showed low similarity in composition within a habitat. Honeyeaters were not more abundant at sites with flowers. Similarly, Regent Honeyeaters were not consistently associated with sites with flowering trees, suggesting that other resources such as insects may influence spatial movements of nectarivorous birds. An increase in the presence of White-plumed Honeyeaters, Little Lorikeets and Noisy Friarbirds, and a decrease in Noisy Miners and Fuscous Honeyeaters characterised the bird assemblage when Regent Honeyeaters were present.These results suggest that landscape-level conservation is important as nectarivorous birds appear to move among a range of sites and habitats in an unpredictable manner, including areas that are largely cleared of understorey. Although the use of riparian habitats by nectarivores indicates its high conservation value, the maintenance of a few specific sites in the valley is unlikely to maintain nectarivorous bird numbers.

The social organization and breeding behaviour of the Yellow‐faced HoneyeaterLichenostomus chrysops– a migratory passerine from the Southern Hemisphere

Southern Hemisphere passerines are generally thought to have long breeding seasons and high annual survivorship, but this may reflect a bias resulting from a disproportionate concentration on sedentary species. This study presents a detailed examination of the breeding biology and social organization of a migratory population of a passerine from the Southern Hemisphere – the Yellow‐faced HoneyeaterLichenostomus chrysops. It took place between 1997 and 2000 in the Coranderrk Reserve, Healesville, Australia. Following the birds’ return from migration, breeding commenced in mid‐November, roughly 2 months after arrival. The breeding season was short (3.5–4 months) compared with sedentary honeyeaters occupying the same habitat. Territories (0.19 ± 0.11 ha) were established by males but defended by both sexes against conspecific and heterospecific intruders. Within a breeding season, pairs were multibrooded (mean no. of clutches per season 2.14 ± 0.76, range 1–3) and always re‐nested within the same territory with the same partner. However, only 12.5% of pairs bred together in a subsequent breeding season despite, on many occasions, their partner from the previous season being alive (divorce rate of 75% for males and 66% for females). Females alone built the nest, incubated the eggs and brooded the nestlings. However, males contributed 44.5% of feeding visits to nestlings. The breeding cycle of Yellow‐faced Honeyeaters (clutch size 1–3 eggs, mean 2.4 ± 0.6,n = 84, incubation period 14.4 ± 0.7 days,n = 11, nestling period 13.0 ± 1.7 days,n = 6) was similar to that of sedentary honeyeaters (and Southern Hemisphere Corvidae in general), except that fledglings only remained on the parental territory for 2–3 weeks post‐fledging. At least one young fledged from 32.1% of nests (n = 156). Predation was the major cause of nest failure (74.5% of 106 failed nests). Only 4.4% of nestlings (n = 136) were observed on the study site in subsequent seasons (five males and one female). None of those males was observed on the study site until their second year of life. Adult annual survivorship (ignoring losses due to dispersal) was 43% for females and 51% for males. Our study suggests that if more data were available for the numerous migratory species from the Southern Hemisphere, some apparent differences from northern hemisphere passerines might disappear.

Nest site selection by yellow‐faced honeyeaters Lichenostomus chrysops

When choosing subsequent nest sites, species that produce multiple broods in a single breeding season have the option of dispersing from a site where they previously suffered depredation, i.e., a predator‐avoidance tactic. In our study on yellow‐faced honeyeaters Lichenostomus chrysops it was found that 89% of nest failures were attributed to nest depredation, the primary cause of reproductive failure. Pairs re‐nested further from depredated nesting attempts than from successful nesting attempts and progressively higher above the ground as the breeding season progressed. Pairs nesting in dioecious Coprosma quadrifida plants only nested in non‐fruiting male plants. Artificial nests were used to test the hypothesis that nest height and plant preferences were strategies to reduce the risk of depredation. There was no evidence that either higher nests or nests in non‐fruiting C. quadrifida achieved reduced levels of depredation during 14 days of artificial nest exposure. Specific nest site characteristics were not found to be associated with nest outcome for either natural or artificial nests. Our study provides further evidence that species may choose a diverse range of nest sites in order to avoid predators from developing specific search images and then, following depredation, compensate by rapidly re‐nesting away from the failed attempt.

Do yellow-faced honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops) nests experience higher predation at forest edges?

We tested the hypothesis that predation rates increase near habitat edges and can cause low reproductive success in forest bird species living in a fragmented habitat. We constructed artificial yellow-faced honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops) nests and placed them 5 m, 20 m, 50 m and 200 m from the forest edge. We also monitored natural yellow-faced honeyeater nests at varying distances from the forest edge. Artificial nests experienced 43% predation over the 14-day exposure period, while natural yellow-faced honeyeater nests experienced 28% during the incubation period and 47% during the nestling period. No negative edge effect was detected for artificial or natural nests. In fact, natural nests experienced higher nest success closer to the forest edge. There was no increase in the number of avian predators recorded at the forest edge, even though birds were identified as the main predators at artificial nests (49%). The lack of support for both the 'ecological trap' and 'predator influx' hypotheses contributes to a growing body of evidence that suggests that not all species surviving in highly fragmented environments are negatively affected by edge effects.

Migratory restlessness in the Yellow‐faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops(Meliphagidae), an Australian diurnal migrant

The Yellow‐faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops is a diurnal migrant which covers short to moderate distances in eastern Australia. Recordings of locomotor activity of nine wild‐caught Yellow‐faced Honeyeaters kept under a simulated natural photoperiod in the laboratory over a period of 13 months showed that these birds exhibit a distinct seasonal pattern in hopping activity. Two major seasonal peaks of enhanced activity were observed. The first occurred during the time of autumn migration in March to July, while a second peak from September to December coincided roughly with spring migration. Daily activity patterns of Yellow‐faced Honeyeaters showed two major peaks. The first peak ranged from the early morning hours to approximately early afternoon, while a second smaller peak was observed in the late afternoon. During their migratory periods in spring and autumn, the morning as well as the afternoon peaks were considerably higher than in months when Yellow‐faced Honeyeaters do not migrate.

Biological inventory for conservation evaluation III. Relationships between birds, vegetation and environmental attributes in southern Australia

Relationships between diurnal, terrestrial birds, vegetation and environmental attributes were investigated in the open Eucalyptus forests of south east Australia. Of the 83 bird species recorded, the probability of occurrence of the Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren, Golden Whistler, Fan-tailed Cuckoo and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo was modelled. The Yellow-faced Honeyeater was the only taxon modelled whose distribution could be best explained using climatic variables. The other four species were related to habitat features at the site level. The models developed for these species were specific to each data set used and are unlikely to be appropriate for other data collected at other times of the year. Statistical modelling was used to investigate the response of bird assemblages to environmental and biological regimes. The models reflect differences in the bird species composition of sites in relation to elevation and soil moisture/nutrient gradients across the region. Birds favouring higher elevations were separated from birds favouring mid and lower elevations. Birds favouring wetter environments were separated from those using drier habitats although these species were also present in the wetter environments. Differences in the distribution of birds related to elevation were explained by the environmental attributes minimum temperature of the coldest month and mean precipitation of the driest quarter which also affect vegetation formations and associations across the study region. Vegetation floristics and topographic position, which can reflect the moisture and nutrient status of sites, were important in characterising the specific habitat requirements of a number of birds. Physical and biological regimes were significantly related to bird species richness. Species richness was found to be greatest in moist forests found at mid and low elevations throughout the year. A stratified field survey was successful in recording the majority of forest birds that can occur in the eucalypt forests of south east Australia but sufficient data for reliably modelling the distribution and habitat quality of birds were obtained for only about 10% of the birds recorded. Even when data from two census periods were aggregated, data were sufficient for only 27% of the total number of birds recorded to develop a habitat model. Suggested modifications to the survey design based on the data and analyses used in this study, are discussed in terms of the intended purpose of the field survey.

The role of skylight polarization in the orientation of a day-migrating bird species

To assess the role of skylight polarization in the orientation system of a day-migrating bird, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters (Lichenostomus chrysops, Meliphagidae) were tested in funnel cages for their directional preferences. In control tests in the natural local geomagnetic field under the clear natural sky, they preferred their normal migratory course. Manipulations of the e-vector by depolarizing the skylight or rotating the axis of polarization failed to affect the orientation as long as the natural geomagnetic field was present. When deprived of magnetic information, the birds continued in their normal migratory direction as long as they had access to information from the natural sky, or when either the sun or polarized light was available. However, when sun was hidden by clouds, depolarizers caused disorientation. — These findings indicate that polarized skylight can be used for orientation when no other known cues are available. However in the hierarchy of cues of this species, the polarization pattern clearly ranks lower than information from the geomagnetic field.

Temporal Vocalisation Patterns in Members of a Eucalypt Forest Bird Community: the Effects of Weather on Song Production

A survey of diel temporal vocalisation patterns in nine members of a eucalypt forest bird community in mid-breeding season (October) showed that in five (Yellowfaced Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird, Rufous Whistler, Striated Thornbill and Superb Fairy-wren) peak singing was from about 30, to 5 minutes pre-sunrise; in one (Grey Shrikethrush) it extended from about 25 minutes pre- to 25 minutes post-sunrise; and in three (Spotted Pardalote, Common Bronzewing and Magpie Lark) it began only about sunrise. In all species there was an initial 20-40 minute period of peak singing followed by a sharp curtailment. The timing and patterns differed between species. Only three species sang regularly through the middle of the day and these vocalisation rates were only about 1/10 to 1/100 of the early morning maximum. The broad similarity of the species' patterns provided no support for the Cody & Brown (1969) suggestion that species vocalisation times have evolved to minimise interspecific acoustical interference. An independent analysis of the effects of weather on temporal vocalisation patterns showed that rain delayed morning song and depressed vocal activity in all species except the Kookaburra, fog had no effect and that dull weather depressed it in only one species, the Rufous Whistler.

Clock-Shift Experiments with Migratory Yellow-Faced Honeyeaters, Lichenostomus Chrysops (Meliphagidae), an Australian Day-Migrating Bird

ABSTRACT The behaviour of an Australian day migrant, the yellow-faced honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops, was studied in order to assess the role of the sun in migratory orientation. During autumn migration, all tests took place under a sunny sky; birds were tested while living in the natural photoperiod (control) and with their internal clock shifted 4h fast and 4h slow. In spring, all birds were shifted 3h fast; tests in overcast conditions, with the birds relying on their magnetic compass, served as controls. In control tests in both seasons, the birds preferred directions corresponding to those observed in the wild. When tested under sunny conditions with their internal clock shifted, the birds changed their directional tendencies. However, their preferred directions were different from those expected if a time-compensating sun compass was being used. After about 6 days, the shifted birds’ directions were no longer different from the control direction. This behaviour argues against a major role of the sun compass in the orientation of day migrants. The dramatic changes of the sun’s arc with geographic latitute might cause day-migrating birds to prefer a more constant orientation cue, such as the geomagnetic field. The initial response to the clock-shift might have occurred because the birds were confused by the conflicting information from solar and magnetic cues. This suggests that the sun is usually used as a secondary cue in combination with the magnetic field.

Changes in the Migratory Direction of Yellow-faced HoneyeatersLichenostomus chrysops(Meliphagidae) during Autumn Migration

Yellow-faced Honeyeaters Lichenostomus chrysops are well known diurnal migrants in eastern Australia. Each year, large flocks move northward during autumn and early winter. Despite an intensive banding effort (Pur- chase 1985), neither the exact routes nor the location of the wintering areas have been identified with certainty. Numerous observations, however, allow at least a rough estimate of the course of their migration. Large flocks of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters flying north-east have been observed in the Canberra region (Davey et al. 1984) and at various locations along the east coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales (Hindwood 1948; Hindwood 1956; Liddy 1966). Only limited records are available from Queensland. In May and June, Robertson (1958) observed Yellow- faced Honeyeaters migrating on a north-westerly course over East Brisbane (2730'S, 153E). Members of this species have also been found further north in eastern Queensland between 26s and 19s. Blakers et al. (1984) suggested that most of them are migrants, as there are no breeding records of the species in that region. A proba- bly isolated breeding population of the Yellow-faced Honeyeater also occurs in the Atherton region (17S, 145E) of north Queensland (Gill 1970; Blakers et al. 1984). Bravery (1970) reported that numbers increased between May and July in this region, indicating an influx of migrating birds to the local population. Taken together, these observations suggest that the main stream of migration follows the

Magnetic compass orientation in the yellow-faced honeyeater, Lichenostomus chrysops, a day migrating bird from Australia

In Australia, the southern populations of the yellow-faced honeyeater, Lichenostomus chrysops (Meliphagidae), perform annual migrations, with routes following the eastern coastline. In order to assess the role of magnetic cues in the migratory orientation of this diurnal migrant, its directional behaviour was recorded in recording cages under natural and experimentally manipulated magnetic-field conditions. During autumn the birds tested indoors in the local geomagnetic field showed a directional change from north initially to northwest later in the season (Fig. 1 a, b), which corresponds well with the general pattern of movement of this species in the field. Deflecting magnetic north to ESE resulted in a clockwise shift of the mean direction by 77° and 71°, respectively (Fig. 1 c, d), while no significant directional tendencies were observed in a magnetic field with a compensated horizontal component (Fig. 1 e, f; see Table 1). In outdoor tests in spring, the birds preferred southerly directions when tested in the local geo-magnetic field. In a magnetic field with a reversed vertical component (i.e. with an inclination pointing down instead of upwards) the birds reversed their directional tendencies and oriented northward (Fig. 2, Table 2). These results clearly show: (1) that yellow-faced honeyeaters can use the magnetic field for direction finding, and (2) that their magnetic compass functions as an “inclination compass”, as has been shown for several holarctic migrants.

Orientation Studies on Yellow-faced HoneyeatersLichenostomus chrysops(Meliphagidae) during Autumn Migration

Orientation Studies on Yellow-faced Honeyeaters<i>Lichenostomus chrysops</i>(Meliphagidae) during Autumn Migration

Seasonal Patterns of Capture Rate and Resource Abundance for Honeyeaters and Silvereyes in Heathland near Sydney

SummaryPyke, Graham H. & Recher, Harry F. (1988). Seasonal patterns of capture rate and resource abundance for honeyeaters and silvereyes in heathland near Sydney. Emu 88, 33–42.Capture rate per unit effort employing mist nets is used as an index of abundance for honeyeaters and silvereyes. The nonresident and presumed migratory species (Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops, White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus, Silvereye Zosterops lateralis, Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris) move through our study area during June or July when nectar production is relatively high. Resident and breeding species (New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae, White-cheeked Honeyeater P. nigra, White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus ieucotis and Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera) are rare or absent only during summer and there is no correspondence between their capture rates and the availability of nectar or insects, their main food sources.